Reviews |
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"NEW JERSEY has a certain reputation. A contest to coin a new state slogan attracted such entries as “New Jersey: Not all our elected officials have been indicted” and “New Jersey: We hate you, too.” “Corruption is rampant at high levels, and at low levels,” said an FBI agent, before adding: “and all levels in between.” The rollicking book from which that quote is taken, by investigative reporters Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure, is called “The Soprano State”, and it is not referring to the local opera." “This
book is a page-turner. You start out laughing and end up pounding
the table for reform.” “Only
the people of the Garden State can stop the jokes — both the ones
elected to office and the ones told about the crooked truth of political
life there.”
“Looking for laughs at the expense of stupid criminals? Their nonfiction
tale reads like a pay-per-view epic, hence the Tony title. Featured
are real-life politicians, businessmen and mobsters who've less
than gracefully nabbed headlines the past 30 years.” “In
this searing exposé of the business, politics, and economics
of the Garden State, investigative journalists Bob Ingle and Sandy
McClure offer a portrait of a state in dire peril -- and of its
own accord. "The Soprano State" provides readers with
an inside look at just how New Jersey, and its policy makers, have
whittled away the credibility of state, thus leaving it as it currently
is: A joke, considered by the rest of the nation to be a haven for
mobsters, murderers, and stereotypes. Drawing upon their collective
experiences as both residents and taxpayers, Ingle and McClure will
have you laughing in the first few pages and later livid with this
sideways state.” “If
Garden State politicians were worried that The Sopranos would give
Jersey a bad name, they would be mortified by the allegations in
Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure's revealing muckrake. Penned by two
hardworking Trenton investigative reporters, The Soprano State paints
a picture of widespread corruption that would embarrass even the
Bada Bing! crowd. Scandalously good.”
“… this book is filled with unbelievable tales of schemes that actually
happened, and that we are still paying for.” “As
the writers say, 'You can't make this stuff up.'” “Page
after page of connecting the dots between Mafia figures and political
leaders, an arrangement the book spelled out existed long before
Jersey Attorney General William T. Brennan said in 1968 that too
many state officials were 'entirely too comfortable with organized
crime.'” “'The
Soprano State' delves into New Jersey politics and does not paint
a very pretty picture. ... Behind the scenes powerbrokers do not
get a pass either.” “Here's
what impressed me most about these two veteran journalists: They
haven't become so cynical that they even begin to think about 'What's
the use?' Instead, they're still fighting the Good Fight. … These
two give me hope for the future …” “Perhaps
the saddest part is that there are still elected officials and government
employees who are so obviously linked with corruption …” “Bob
Ingle and Sandy McClure deserve a Pulitzer Prize for this fine piece
of journalism ... It should be mandatory reading for every pupil
in the United States. I give the book, Bob, and Sandy an A+!! I
could not put it down.” “This
is an excellent book ... I am very impressed with the writing ability
of the authors to present the material in a clear concise and fair
way. I was only sorry the book ended but I appreciate the updates
on www.thesopranostate.com. A MUST READ!” “Yes,
this book is funny, entertaining and informative, but ultimately,
as a New Jersey resident, it left me both disgusted at the breadth
of the corruption and despairing for the future of the state.” “Far
and away, the best nonfiction I've read in years! I couldn't put
it down ... reads like fiction. I live in California and feared
it might only be of interest to those who live in New Jersey. Boy,
was I wrong. Ingle and McClure are remarkable reporters who'll keep
you spellbound. Perhaps 'The Soprano State' wouldn't be as hilarious
if you resided in New Jersey but it is that and fascinating.” “'The
Soprano State' should be required reading for every budding journalist.
It shows just how far the egotists we keep electing and entrusting
with government coffers will go to advance themselves. It’s a delightful
read even if politicians aren’t that bad in your state ... you think.
The two authors have done a masterful job in capturing the laughter
and larceny that abounds in the state house and its environs. Send
another book our way.” “'The
Soprano State' was a mighty fine read. Bravo to the two authors
for their free flowing prose." “…
Ingle and McClure present a cheerless story of oligarchy and kleptocracy
covering the length of the Turnpike from Cape May to Fort Lee, the
executive mansion in Princeton to the statehouse in Trenton, horse
country and the Pineys, Sinatra’s native turf in Hoboken and Joe
Piscopo’s down at the shore. They nail the backroom intrigues in
impressive scope and detail.” |
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